"Freedom to convert" is counterproductive as a generalized doctrine. It fails to come to terms with the complex interrelationships between self and society that make the concept of individual choice meaningful. Hence, religious conversion undermines, and in extremes would dissolve, that individual autonomy and human freedom.

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Monday, April 18, 2005

2005-04-18 Published by Times of India Gathered by Press Trust of India

AHMEDABAD,APRIL 18: The Gujarat government's stand against religious conversions in the state was the main reason for him being denied a visa to the United States recently, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. Without making any direct reference to himself, Modi said, "A person from Gujarat was not allowed to visit the US because he does not allow religious conversions in his state." "They (Americans) think that by providing monetary benefits, they can conduct (religious) conversions in the state. But that person (Modi) did not allow it to happen and so was denied a visa," he said. "Hindu society is flexible, absorbs new ideas and keeps on evolving with changing times," Modi said, adding that it was not so with other religions who were more rigid in character. "The Hindu samaj has accepted various changes be it related to widow-remarriage, cremation or any other matter," Modi said.